Many people who are infected with HIV do not have symptoms for many years. AIDS is the final stage of a HIV infection. Having AIDS means that the virus has weakened the immune system to a point where the body has a difficult time fighting the infection. There are many symptoms associated with AIDS. Talk to a health care provider if you would like to learn about these symptoms.
HIV is spread through contact with the blood, semen, vaginal secretions, or other bodily fluids of an infected person.
HIV can be spread during vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
It is also spread by sharing needles or syringes.
It can also be spread from mother to child before or during birth and after birth through breastfeeding.
There is no cure for AIDS. People with HIV can take medications to delay AIDS from developing.
For some people AIDS can be managed through a complex treatment of drugs.
